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March 28, 2008 | NATO's Unhappy Warriors

Wess Mitchell: While the United States has been prodding the alliance’s second-tier members, newcomers have stepped up in Afghanistan.

November 26, 2008 | Discontent With Maliki Shakes US-Iraqi Security Pact

Iraqi PM Maliki Iraq faces tough opposition today as his cabinet scrambles to find support for a US withdrawal bill. ++ “The opposition is about Maliki” said a US official. ++ A failure of the bill would mean a US withdrawal starting early next year, instead of ending in 2011. ++ Maliki has ruled out an extension to the current UN mandate for the US troops, which runs out at the end of the year.

November 24, 2008 | US Misunderstands Iraqi Politics, Withdraws

Bush’s desire for a long-term military presence in Iraq beyond 2011 has been precluded by an agreement that embarrasses the US administration. ++ The Iraqi government forced changes to the document that leaves only a complete withdrawal. ++ US troops must leave city areas by June 2009 or sooner. ++ The deal went through only because Bush believes Obama would leave more quickly. ++ The refusal of

November 14, 2008 | Robert Gates: Coordination Needed in Afghanistan

Operations in Afghanistan are hamstrung by limitations placed on forces from different nations. ++ Many willing to provide troops lack money or have political constraints. ++ Soldiers are needed not only on the battlefield but also to train security forces, yet “our own security toolbox must be equipped with more than just hammers.” ++ Coordination with EU, NGOs and Afghan government is needed,

September 15, 2008 | US Attacks in Pakistan Must Continue

In July President Bush decided to increase attacks by US forces against the Taliban in tribal areas. ++ This increase is in response to the Taliban’s growing strength in Pakistan, more attacks on NATO forces in Afghanistan, and an increase in terrorist threats. ++ The US must find a way to balance its relations with President Zardari of Pakistan, and also continue its attacks against the Taliban

August 1, 2008 | Iraq Has the Most Promising Future in the Region

There are many reasons to believe that Iraq is going to make it: violence is declining, US soldiers are turning province after province over to the Iraqi Security Forces, and planning withdrawals for 2009. ++ These developments should be acknowledged by the critics of the Iraq war, who underestimated the strategical importance of a constitutional Iraq. ++ Of course, a secure future for Iraq is

June 20, 2008 | Obama Needs a New Strategy for Iraq

Obama should readjust his Iraq strategy like many other former opponents of the war did. ++ US will be remembered as much for how it got out of Iraq as for how it got in. ++ A precipitous withdrawal may give Iranians the chance to dominate Iraq. ++ Obama should acknowledge the need to stay tough there, even as he continues to claim credit for having been against the project. ++ Democrats may be

June 17, 2008 | US Deal Leads to Rising Resentment in Iraq

Iraq’s disparate ethnic groups are united in their opposition to the latest American political and military intentions for the country. ++ According to Bush’s plan, occupation of Iraq could be indefinite. ++ The president should leave the task of settling a deal with the Iraqi government to his successor and be content with an extension of the UN mandate, which is soon to expire. ++ His current

June 3, 2008 | New Tipping Point in Iraq, but This Time it's Positive

US Ambassador Ryan C. Crocker, who is known for cautious assessments, said terrorists in Iraq have “never been closer to defeat than they are now.” ++ The Iraqi government has gained control of Basra and Sadr City for the first time. ++ US analysts and politicians need to rethink their “this-war-is-lost” perception. ++ With a plan based on success, Obama might actually be able to carry out

May 15, 2008 | Weapons in Space: A New Kind of Armament

The US is making a bold, perhaps doltish, move by refusing to discuss a treaty aimed at preventing weapons in outer space. ++ China and Russia have warned that a countermove would be unavoidable to ensure their own security. ++ Many are urging the Pentagon to consider the historical consequences of expanding warfare to new frontiers. ++ In reality, however, defense contractors and military

April 17, 2008 | Iran Could be a Partner of the US in Iraq

Contrary to the Bush administration’s claim last week, the main interest of Iran in Iraq is not to predicate on violence but to stabilize this country. ++ To prevent the possible future aggression from the Sunnites and to stop the agitation for Kurdish autonomy, Iran should not derange the unfolding democratic process. ++ To emerge as the leading power in the Gulf, Iran needs the withdrawal of US

March 10, 2008 | Al Qaeda Will Not Rule Iraq

It is a misunderstanding of Al Qaeda’s nature and aims that leads to the fear it could implement an Islamic state in Iraq if the US troops were to leave. ++ Al Qaeda is a non-territorial global entity that antagonizes the West, disrupts existing conflicts but cannot coordinate enough key local actors so as to rule a state. ++ In Iraq, it is the Sunnis, Shiites and Kurds who play the central role.

April 12, 2007 | Robert D. Kaplan on When North Korea Falls

North Korean nuclear tests are symptoms of an unheralded threat: not the exertion of North Korean strength, but the prospective collapse of Kim Jong Il’s government. Weakness in Pyongyang could result in desperation, a WMD attack on the South, or full-on military engagement with Seoul. Drawing on this possibility of collapse, Robert D. Kaplan discusses opportunities for:

1. Reconstruction and